Transforming Work with Sophie Wade

Ben Brooks is Founder and CEO of Pilot, a software-based employee coaching platform. Careers are becoming more self-directed with people needing to be more self-aware, advocate for themselves, and make career development a priority. Ben explains how Pilot is reframing growth and development, enabling employers to support employees’ individual development while also improving competitiveness and retention.       Key Takeaways: [00:58] Every individual should plan to have 5 careers in their lifetime.  [01:52] Nurturing employees’ potential is key for engaging and retaining them. [03:40] The Future of Work is self-directed, which means a greater reliance on the human brain, not less.  [07:03] Future of Work transformation has just started -- we are going through the teething stage now. [08:22] Ben has had a varied career which he describes it as a zigzag.  [10:25] Why was Ben’s first job at Enterprise the most fun job he had?  [12:49] Why did Ben launch his career coaching platform, Pilot?  [14:54] Most people do not feel powerful at work.  [15:34] How to make employee growth and development a priority, not a hobby. [16:47] We need help to focus as the attention economy pulls us in too many directions. [17:56] One size doesn’t fit all for work or careers. [18:35] Coaching helps unlock people being able to advocate for themselves. [19:36] How Pilot handles the diversity of work across industries, organizations, and people. [21:30] How Pilot helped a top salesman not have to choose between his health or success. [22:25] Pilot enables users to focus on what really matters in life. [25:24] Ben has a holistic approach when it comes to growth and development, focused on addressing current dissatisfaction and growing where you are. [26:43] The commonalities in how to manage yourself as a professional and ensure the employee experiences suits you. [28:17] The benefit of personal agility. [29:42] A college degree is no longer sufficient.  [31:37] What employees need to future proof their careers. [32:55] Leadership is not a position. [36:09] How to manage your own inclusion by decoding and explaining yourself to others. [39:30] The intent to democratize coaching to support employees owning their careers. [41:59] The strategic role of HR and their need for data is supported by the product’s design. [43:02] Pilot’s initial non-enterprise version. [44:45] What are some of the biggest misconceptions of coaching?  [48:17] Immediate Action Tip: Look at any frustrations as an indicator to take action, advocate for yourself and own your life and experiences at work.    Resources: Pilot.coach Ben on LinkedIn Steve Jobs Commencement Speech Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World How Will You Measure Your Life? By Clayton Christensen    Quotes:    “The Future of Work is self-directed”.   “Most people do not feel powerful at work.”    “The intent to democratize coaching.”   “People seldom regret speaking up and advocating for themselves.“